The Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the initial phase of the IPL 2026 and will be available for the league from mid-April.
The Kolkata Knight Riders head coach, Abhishek Sharma, has confirmed the news on the pacer who sustained a calf injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Matheesha Pathirana featured in just three matches in the tournament before being helped off the field during the game against Australia.
“The latest update is that he is with the Sri Lankan cricket board for his rehab,” said Abhishek Nayar on Matheesha Pathirana. “Somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit.”
The Kolkata Knight Riders have also been hit by the absence of Harshit Rana, who sustained a knee injury. He sustained the injury during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up game against South Africa and missed the tournament.
Although Harshit Rana has not officially ruled himself out of the IPL, the KKR head coach is already exploring options to fill his role.
“Firstly, it is a big blow,” Nayar said, “because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He has grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it’s not easy to replace him.”
“Having said that, over the last few days, we have looked at a few bowlers. We’re trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their ability. We haven’t made the decision yet, but hopefully we will identify someone soon who can make a difference to this squad.”
Riders have removed Mustafizur Rahman after BCCI asked the franchise to release him from the KKR 2026 squad earlier this year, and the franchise brought Blessing Muzarabani as his replacement.
KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo gave a positive note, saying, “In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, there are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept,” Bravo said. “The good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth.”
“So there are some guys that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot – the likes of Umran Malik. These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I’m happy to work with this group of fast bowlers,” added Bravo.
“We have the best spin attack in the entire competition, so from a bowling point of view, I think we will be fine. Also, I can’t forget Vaibhav – what a fantastic season last year. He has been the leader of the attack over the last two seasons as well. So, yes, we’ve lost some key players, but I feel comfortable (knowing that) we have what it takes to replace those guys.”
As per the IPL 2026 schedule, Kolkata Knight Riders will play their opener match against the Mumbai Indians on March 29 at Wankhede Stadium,Mumbai.
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